On-Street bicycle corrals

In August 2010 a trial bicycle corral was installed on the South-East corner of Commercial Drive and East 6th Avenue.  So far the corral has seen high use and has provided additional parking for cyclists at this busy location.  In addition, this new on street bicycle parking has provided a more spacious and comfortable pedestrian space for all.  We are interested to hear your comments and experiences regarding this trial, please send them to bikeparking@vancouver.ca.

Photo of the new bicycle corral on Commercial Drive at 6th Avenue.

What is a bicycle corral?

A bicycle corral is an arrangement where bicycle racks are placed on-street, instead of on the sidewalk. An option where there is a high-demand for bike parking is the placement of bicycle racks on the street. Relocating bicycle parking from the sidewalk on to the street provides more parking spaces for cyclists, as well as provides pedestrians with more space on the sidewalk.

Why on-street bike parking?

Bicycle Corrals can accommodate many more bicyclists than a typical bike rack on a sidewalk. A single vehicle parking space can be replaced with 9 bicycle racks, enough space for 18 bicycles! These facilities make more efficient use of the parking lane in areas with high cycling demand. The increase in parking can be a benefit to businesses with regular cycling clientele.

Pedestrians also benefit from bicycles parked on-street. Bicycles parked on the sidewalk create additional obstacles and hazards to pedestrians. By moving the bikes onto the street, the sidewalk becomes less cluttered creating a more comfortable environment for pedestrians. The corral also promotes keeping cyclists on the roadway, as cyclists riding on the sidewalk pose a large safety concern to pedestrians. Raising the visibility of cycling continues to reinforce it as a viable transportation alternative.

By placing a bicycle corral at the corner of a street a defacto corner bulge is created. This provides greater visibility for pedestrians and vehicles turning out of the sidestreet. This bulge effect also shortens the crossing distance of the street which improves safety for pedestrians crossing the street.

 

Photos of before and after the installation of the trial bicycle corral.

Where would you install a bicycle corral?

On-street bike parking can potentially be located on any street which currently has vehicle parking. Bike parking cannot be located on any street which has rush hour regulations or other parking restrictions, such as bus zones.

The best location for on-street bike parking is at the corner of the street in front of a business which currently has a high bicycle parking demand. The corner works the best as it creates a corner bulge as mentioned above and the bicycle parking area can be made bigger as it can extend into the corner clearance. This can also help with pedestrian and vehicle visibility at busy intersections.

Has this been done in other cities?

Many other major cities throughout the world have successfully replaced vehicle parking spaces with on-street bicycle parking. In North America, cycling cities such as Portland, Montreal, Ottawa, Seattle and many others have all used on street parking in some shape or form.

How can I get Bicycle Corral in front of my business?

The first on-street bike parking facility is currently under review to determine its success and to determine the best way to continue moving forward with the program. On-street bike parking facilities must be requested by the business fronting the facility and they must sign a maintenance agreement which says that the business will sweep and keep the corral free of debris since City street sweepers will no longer be able to access the street.

The City will review all potential bike parking locations and work with business and property owners to determine if on-street bike parking is the best solution. Please send in your requests at the information below if you are interested.

Comments?

If you have any comments regarding this trial for on-street bike parking or general bike parking initiatives within the City of Vancouver please contact us at bikeparking@vancouver.ca